Care work for children and young adults with learning disabilities. For this placement volunteers will be based at the "Sunshine in the rain association", a charitable organization that provides education and stimulating day care to children and young adults that have mental health issues.
The focus of the project is to support the staff to provide effective care for the children and young adults that attend the center.
- helping to set up activities/exercises - playing and teaching the children - knowledge sharing - improving the English of the carers where desired
Project structure:
The Sunshine in the Rain association operates Monday to Friday from 8am until 2pm.
The association is closed during the summer holidays from 15th June – 15th September. Occasionally however summer camps are organised for the beneficiaries for which volunteers are needed. For further details please email VAP
We ask all volunteers to be present for a minimum of 6 hours per day with the opportunity to increase their hours if desired.
A Care2Travel volunteer coordinator will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support, guidance and advise. Reviews with the volunteer, Sunshine in the rain director and a C2T rep will be conducted in the middle and at the end of every project.
A typical volunteer day during term-time:
8am - Breakfast 9-14 - Work at the Sunshine in the Rain association 14–15 - Lunch Free afternoon 20 - Dinner
Project location:
The Sunshine in the rain foundation is based in the city of Gheorgheni in the heart of Transylvania.
Arrival:
Prior to arrival a Care2Travel representative will be in contact with all volunteers and will be available to answer any queries or questions that may arise.
Upon arrival all volunteers will have a thorough induction. Induction pack provided, meet and greet, tour of the local area.
Our volunteer projects start on the Monday of every week and we ask all volunteers to arrive at least 1 day before in order to receive a thorough induction. The nearest airport to the project is Targu Mures, a 3 hour drive away. Cluj Napoca and Bucharest airports are a 5 hour drive. If volunteers fly to Targu Mures Care2Travel can arrange a direct pick-up (see below for prices). If volunteers fly to Bucharest, Cluj or any other airport they need to make their own way to Gheorgheni train station where a Care2Travel representative will be waiting to greet them. From Bucharest and Cluj Napcoa there are direct trains to Gheorgheni train station. Care2Travel is more than happy to help with any in-country travel arrangements.
Volunteer specifications:
- An interest to work in the field of mental health. Experience is not necessary just a willing to learn. - A desire to work/support children (past experience preferable) with physical and mental disabilities ranging from mild to severe. - Ability to adopt techniques that will enable you to cross language barriers. - Cultural sensitivity. - A caring and considerate nature. - Lots of energy, enthusiasm and patience. - Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. - Ability to work in small teams.
Accommodation:
We have a variety of accommodations from home stays to apartments.
Every accommodation has hot water, washing facilities, a kitchen, heating and private bedroom.
Leisure Activities:
During a volunteers free time Care2Travel offer numerous opportunities to explore Transylvania in an environmentally friendly manner. From cycle, hiking and sightseeing tours to activities such as horse riding, learning authentic crafts, paragliding and much more.
Hosting Fees:
£260 - 1 month £360 - 1.5 months £460 - 2 months
- The cost of a direct pick-up from Targu Mures to the project location is an additional £50 - The cost of a direct pick-up from Cluj Napoca to the project location is an additional £90 - The cost of a direct pick-up from Bucharest to the project location is an additional £90
What this fee includes...
- Accommodation - Two meals a day - A local coordinator available 24/7 - Worthwhile and effectively managed volunteer projects - A small contribution to the work of our charity
Why a hosting fee is necessary:
Romania, Europe's second poorest country, is still experiencing the legacy of Ceausescu's oppressive regime that left the nation severely impoverished (Hope &Homes for children, 2012). "One-quarter of the population lives below the poverty level" (World vision).
Because our partner organisations in-country struggle on a weekly basis to adequately finance their operations we unfortunately cannot expect them to finance volunteers. This is the predominate reason for charging a hosting fee. In addition Care2Travel spends considerable time with it's in-country partners supporting them to effectively utilise volunteers so that everyone gets the most out of the volunteering experience. This is why within the hosting fee, a small contribution goes towards the work of our charity.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
